Mangan, April 27 (IPR): Two days long Block Level sensitization programme on Protection of Child from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act, 2012 and Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, 2015 for stakeholders comprising of Anganwadi Workers (AWW), Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) and government employee under One Family One Job was concluded today. The programme which was held at Block Administrative Centre (BAC) of Dzongu and Chungthang was organized by the District Child Protection Unit, North to build cooperation among stakeholders in the field of child protection and to make them aware on the Acts related to children and child protection mechanisms under Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department.

The District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), North, Ms. Wendy M. Lepcha, highlighted about the types of sexual offenses punishable under POCSO Act, 2012 and provisions for child friendly judicial process. She also informed that any person, who has fear of an offence under POCSO Act is likely to be committed or has knowledge of such an offence has been committed, he or she should provide such information to the Special Juvenile Police Unit/the local police. She informed to the participants about toll free 24/7 Childline number 1098 and for any assistance in child protection related issues, they may call the number or inform the office of the District child Protection Unit, North at Mangan Nagar Panchayat. She also requested the AWWs to sensitise the children about good touch, bad touch and alerted the ASHA workers to report on any illegal adoption/transaction of new born children from the hospitals as adoption has to be as per JJ Act, 2015.

The Chairperson, CWC, Mrs. Mingma Bhutia, shared about domestic violence affecting children and the provision of sponsorship, foster care and institutional care that could be availed by such children and other vulnerable children through Child Welfare Committee, North.

The programme was attended by the CDPO, Dzongu, BDO, Dzongu, CDPO, Chungthang and ICDS supervisors. They motivated their staff to work towards building a safe environment for the children in the district by being alert citizens